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ACPC HIGH EFFICIENCY STANDARD
We at Athena Computer Power Corp.(ACPC) use a broad range of different tools to create a more eco-friendly power supply. Our mission is to create a more cost-efficient and reliable power supply for all of our consumers. Applying features such as the Full ragnge input, following EMI guidelines, and ensuring our power supplies are certified 80PLUS, we have released a Green Efficiency standard, that allows us to become more eco-friendly.

80PLUS certification requires a power supply to operate at a minimum of 80% efficiency. The efficiency of a computer power supply is tracked by its max value when running continuously on full load and how much power the power supply needs to push that power out. For example, at 60% efficiency for an 800W power supply the required power needed is around 1333W which is taken from the consumer’s power factory and used by the PSU to achieve 800 Watts. With an 80% efficient PSU it only requires 1000W from the consumer’s power factory in order to achieve that 800 Watts. This not only is more efficient but it can also save the consumer money on their electric bills.

For a given power supply, efficiency varies depending on how much power is being delivered. Supplies are typically most efficient at between half and three quarters load, much less efficient at low load, and somewhat less efficient at maximum load. To qualify for 80 PLUS, a power supply must achieve at least 80% efficiency at three specified loads (20%, 50% and 100% of maximum rated power.

Ecos Plug Load Solutions is currently the portal for the latest energy-efficient technology products and links to their 80PLUS program and its participants. They provide an easily accessible gateway to the research, products, programs and places of purchase of energy-efficient technologies that institutions, corporations and individuals use every day. For more information please visit their website at http://www.plugloadsolutions.com.

The Full Range Input is a function that can work by itself or in parallel with the Active PFC function. When paired with Active PFC, both work closely within the power supply to achieve higher efficiency ratings and create a smarter power supply. The Full Range Input’s main focus is to transcribe AC power from any region to DC power that is required, making an easier transition for the power supply to swap powers for your server or computer. The Full Range Input works by taking all of the power that is sourced from your power factory (AC Power) into the power supply. Having the Full Range Input also creates a longer lifespan for the power supply and it avoids damage from accidental wrong inputs of voltage. Providing flexible power for all different types of form factors, this function helps the power supply to maintain safety and flexibility which meets the demands of an ever-changing world.

Active Power Factor Correction (Active PFC) provides a more efficient power frequency while correcting and adjusting to the require Amps needed to run hardware. Theoretically with Active PFC a power supply can generate a power factor of 99% and with those ratings it can produces more efficiency. Active PFC also automatically corrects for AC input voltage, and is capable of a full range of input voltage. Since Active PFC is the more complex method of Power Factor Correction it is generally considered a power electronic system that controls the amount of power drawn by a load in order to obtain a power factor as close as possible to the original wave length. In power supplies, the active PFC regulates the input current of the load so that the current waveform is proportional to the main voltage waveform. The purpose of making the power factor as close to possible is to make the load circuitry appear purely resistive. In this case, the voltage and current are in phase and the reactive power consumption is zero. In essence the Active PFC is a monitor that regulates the power coming from the power factory to your power supply. The Active PFC distributes the flow of energy that is being sent from the power factory and only sends what is needed towards the hardware in use. This in turn is the reason why Active PFC is considered efficient where it puts the necessary power where it needs to be.

RoHS is the acronym for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. RoHS, also known as Directive 2002/95/EC, originated in the European Union and restricts the use of specific hazardous materials found in electrical and electronic products. All applicable products in the EU market after July 1, 2006 must pass RoHS compliance.

Any business that sells applicable electronic products, sub-assemblies or components directly to EU countries, or sells to resellers, distributors or integrators that in turn sell products to EU countries, is impacted if they utilize any of the restricted materials.

EMI or Electromagnetic Interference is defined by the IEC as a “Degradation of the performance of an equipment, transmission channel or system caused by an electromagnetic disturbance.” For an FCC Class B Certification which is an EMI Certification the device must comply with Part 15 of FCC Rules. To obtain certification the device must not cause harmful radio or transmission interference and must accept any interference received.

Established in 1894, UL was created in order to promote safety and assurance in products released in the United States and now UL certification has over 1,000 standards for Safety. Their methodology of testing is a necessary measure for public safety and confidence, reducing cost, improving quality, and marketing products and services. Millions of products including power supplies and their components go through UL’s rigorous safety standards and can only be acquired by passing their safety standards so that consumers can live in a safer environment.